Stevenson has a fire inside but can't get it out, he has defended many stars, he can give some limitations with his strong physical confrontation and positive attitude.
The Chinese man in front of him looked less physically confrontational than himself, but it was hard to make a limit.
Magic's offense.
Nelson brought the ball across half-court and Stevenson wasn't the Magic's main point of attack, so he just transitioned the ball and didn't make Zeng Zhen feel too much defensive pressure.
Stevenson gave the ball to Grant Hill.
Hill is 2 meters 03, two-point line within the offensive means of comprehensive, three-point line outside the accuracy is slightly worse, before he did not suffer a major injury, he was hailed as Jordan successor, in the Piston's peak season tried to average 25.8 points per game.
He did however only average 15 points per game this season with the Magic.
Hill held the ball in the right low post against Walton's defense, and after consecutive exploratory steps chose to dribble a little on the right side against Walton, followed by a flip-back jumper.
Walton is also 2'03", but is more passive on the defensive end, and he was a beat slow as Hill looked to finish his shot.
Only for Odom to come flying out on the other side.
"Pop!"
Hill isn't as hard to cover as Kobe's post-ups, and Odom slaps the ball down this time.
Walton controlling the ball.
Wharton played with a high level of ball movement, and he saw Zeng Zhen, who was running upfield, at the first opportunity.
A cannonball long pass was sent to Zeng Zhen.
The Magic players all quickly returned to their own backcourt as well.
Nielsen rushed back inside the fastest, it was the defensive instinct of the players, who thought Zeng Zhen was going to play fast break.
If it's a one-on-one situation, almost all NBA players nowadays choose to just pound the ball inside because there's a high probability of getting silly even if they don't score that way.
Zeng Zhen thought the same thing at first, but after he received the ball he realized that there was no defensive interference beyond the three-point line on his conversion.
Zeng Zhen simply had a heart of gold.
There's no more sprinting to the inside, no more waiting for teammates.
Collecting the ball in transition for a sharp stop.
Push for a three.
Nelson was too far back for him to interfere effectively with Zeng Zhen.
The fans at Staples Arena were also stunned by Zeng Zhen's operation of converting a three-point shot on a fast break.
"How does he fight like that."
"Punch it in for a foul."
"You can't win a game just shooting threes."
"Switching offenses to shoot threes?"
"Can't fight like that."
Fans have also questioned Zeng Zhen's choices.
In this day and age, it's deviant to fight like that.
The Zen master also wanted to say something.
But.
Basketballs in flight are like having a guided scope on them.
Constantly spinning while drawing a perfect arc.
"Swish!"
Through the heart into the net!
27 to 32.
Zeng Zhen also made a celebratory gesture of bending his bow and arrow immediately after seeing the ball scored.
"BIU!!!"
Los Angeles is the capital of entertainment, and the fans enjoyed Zeng Zhen's arrogant celebratory pose.
Regardless of the choice, a goal is bull!
The crowd of close to 20,000 let out cheering chants!
Zeng Zhen enjoyed the cheers to the fullest as he felt comfortable.
The Magic were really too relaxed on him defensively, a relaxation that made him feel no different than he did in his peak experience games.
As long as there's an opening, he's sure to get the ball in, as if it's an innate talent.
Zeng Zhen then turned around and nodded provocatively at Nelson.
Nelson followed back with Hill also shaking his head helplessly.
They had never seen this style of guard before, and it seemed like Ray Allen wasn't even that scary.
Whenever there's an opening on the outside, he takes advantage of that opening to make a play, and every play looks like the kind of play that's there.
It's not like Nelson and Hill haven't played against yellow.
In their impression, yellow people playing basketball most of the time will have some height advantage, and then speed, strength, explosive, shooting and so on ability will be a big difference between them.
But Zeng Jin looks nothing like that.
Fast, very flexible, shooting accuracy, a three-point shot just like a sniper rifle, a hit, each hit the magic of the dead center.
Magic's offense.
Hill once again made a strong bid for the ball in the low post.
Hill has an attitude of his own, and having just failed to score, he's going to do it this time.
Instead of choosing to go back and back this time, Hill took a step off the dribble and then hit a strong two-point shot against Walton's defense.
It's a tough shot, but exactly what forward swingmen like to do in this day and age.
Wharton sealed to Hill's face, but didn't make much of a dent.
"Frame!"
"Swish!"
Hill's shot was accurate to the basket.
29 to 32.
The goal also slightly brought the sound of the field back down a bit.
"Had come to organize." The Zen master shouted from the sidelines.
Zen Master was sensitive to Zeng Zhen's killing power when he had the ball, and he made a decisive adjustment.
Smash Parker's eyes fell a bit, he saw Zeng Zhen's excellent performance, he understood that if he played like this, Zeng Zhen would soon become the first star.
Although he understands, but there is nothing he can do to stop it, this is the cruelty of the NBA, as long as you are strong enough, then you are more qualified to be on the field.
Zeng Zhen was also very excited after hearing the Zen Master's words, as if point guard was the position he should be playing.
Kwame Brown sends the ball to Zeng Zhen, and Nelson comes over to post up Zeng Zhen, who wants to try and break the ball.
It's just that Zeng Zhen's dribbling fundamentals are very solid, and he combined a back dribble with a change of direction to cross the half-court smoothly.
After reaching the frontcourt, Zeng Zhen didn't go for a single shot himself, he gave the ball to Odom.
It was still Stevenson who followed Zeng Zhen's defense.
Stevenson is still playing close and tight defense, not giving Zeng Zhen any space.
"Zeng Zhen's outside firepower is causing the Magic to feel a headache, and now they're releasing him."
"I wonder how Zeng Zhen's performance will be if Magic continues to raise the intensity of its defense with its targeting."
Fans saw the Magic move their feet more aggressively on defense, and it was clear that they were receiving instructions that they couldn't let Zeng Zhen continue to make threes.
Stevenson on the field stared at Zeng Zhen as if he were staring at his prey, his long arm waving continuously.
Zeng Zhen did feel the trouble too, he didn't have the first chance to catch the ball anymore.
Just Zeng Zhen is not the kind of player who stands to receive the ball, Zeng Zhen quickly came to a counter-run to cut inside.
Stevenson followed Zeng Zhen closely, and Zeng Zhen didn't just run with the help of his own teammates' coverages; there were times when he rubbed up against Magic players.
Zeng Zhen went through the Magic's entire interior line this time and moved to the bottom right corner.
At this time, the Lakers' ball running into the hands of Walton, Walton also did not hesitate to give the ball to Zeng Zhen.
Stevenson, who was following Zeng Zhen's defense, had a headache, as he needed to go through his opponent and his own teammates in order to chase Zeng Zhen.
Stevenson also pushed the blocking Turkoglu out of the way when Zeng Zhen caught the ball.
Only, Stevenson still gave Zeng Zhen a gap.
Zeng Zhen raised his hand and looked like he was about to make a three-point shot when Stevenson's entire body swooped in like a roc spreading its wings.
That's a ball that could have been disturbed if Zeng Zhen had taken the shot.
But Zeng Zhen's offense still has room to adjust, his first move was just a shot fake, he dribbled a step upward and across.
This time, Turkoglu, the Magic's inside man, was also dispatched.
Without any hesitation, Zeng Zhen slid the ball straight to Odom, who was unguarded under the basket.
Odom easily hit the boards for a close-range shot.
29 to 34.
"Nice pass, buddy." Odom raised his hand with Zeng Zhen.
Zeng Zhen nodded at him as well.
The fans at Staples Arena let out a mountain of sound.
Although it was Odom who had just scored, the close-up given by the big screen was indeed Zeng Zhen's.
Zeng Zhen has just perfectly capitalized on his opponent's fear of him to deliver a wonderful assist.
Magic's offense.
Nelson initiates a block with Turkoglu after dribbling to the frontcourt.
After the block, Nelson knocked the ball back to Turkoglu on the ground.
After a false start, Turkoglu kills the ball with a big dribble of his own.
Turkoglu grabbed the ball with one hand and took to the air for a layup, but at the last minute Kwame Brown flew out of the way.
"Pop!"
Kwame Brown gave Turkoglu a solid cover.
Led by Zeng Zhen, the Lakers' second-team players are playing very aggressively.
After Walton got the ball and quickly dribbled it forward, Walton pounded the lane with the ball.
Zeng Zhen followed up on the left side and ran to the bottom left corner.
Walton's impact drew the Magic back on defense, and Stevenson was the first to jam Walton.
Walton had no way to finish, and he decisively dumped the ball to Zeng Zhen in the bottom corner.
Zeng Zhen received the ball and he was going to take the first shot, but he saw Nelson coming after him.
So once again, Zeng Zhen changed his choice of offense, and the first move was still a fake.
Nielsen gets a crisp nod from the point.
Zeng Zhen took a step upward and across the court, and after completely acquiring an opening, took another shot from the three-point line.
Push shots, wrist presses!
The basketball cuts a rainbow.
"Swish!"
Crisp and clean through the center into the net.
29 to 37
Zeng Zhen shook his shoulders and shook his head in celebration!
"Pause!!!"
The Magic were decisive in calling a halt to the game.
"Crap, it's still going in."
"It's too much, it's really too much."
"Tseng to get 40+ tonight?"
"Tseng's three-point shooting was horrible, as if it was just a matter of making the shot."
"This pace is so comfortable, the score is being pulled!"
"Had definitely the Lakers' best signing of the season!"
The big screen kept replaying Zeng Zhen's individual highlights for the period from the end of the first quarter to the beginning of the second quarter.
Zeng Zhen capitalized on almost every opening where he could score.
The camera also gave occasional shots to the female fans in the front row who were chanting for Zeng Zhen.
Both commentators in the CCTV studio were also excited.
Zhang said, "Zeng Zhen's threes weren't as crazy as the last game, but they were just as explosive, and he showed strong enough three-point continuity."
Xu Jicheng said, "Yes, Zeng Zhen's three-point shot is now his main scoring tool, his ability to grasp the open space is very strong, Magic can't give him any opportunity to open up, as long as there is an opportunity, Zeng Zhen will give them a blow."
Zhang Weiping said, "Zeng Zhen is playing better and better, and I'm sure the Zen Master is taking it all in stride, so it's up to Zeng Zhen when he can make his debut."
Seo Je-sung said, "That time will come soon if Zeng Zhen keeps up this efficient output, Zeng Zhen is currently showing the ability to be a quality scorer level."
After the timeout came back, the Magic were all starters on the floor.
Lakers side is still the second lineup, the second lineup played fantastic, the Zen master did not immediately make adjustments.
Magic's offense.
Howard disliked Kwame Brown hard after receiving the ball inside.
Again, the difference in physical talent between the two is still quite large.
"Pop!"
Howard drew a hitting foul on Kwame Brown.
Howard gets to the free throw line.
Howard missed the first free throw and hit the second.
30 to 37.
It's only 1 point, but at least it's a score.
Laker offense.
Zeng Zhen gave the ball to Odom after dribbling to the frontcourt, and then went on a run of his own.
Zeng Zhen's running game kept stirring up the Magic defense.
Stevenson is really fierce if he defends the ball carrier, but it's too hard to completely defend this kind of no-ball run by Zeng Zhen.
Stevenson was also speechless as Zeng Zhen was on the field for a moment, always on the move.
The feeling wore him down.
Soon, after a series of interspersed cover and run, Zeng Zhen came behind Odom, and Odom also gave Zeng Zhen a hand pass.
This time, almost a meter away from the three-point line, Zeng Zhen caught the ball and pushed.
The pace was very smooth throughout and the strikes were all very fast.
Stevenson barely squeezed past Odom to rush over and interfere with Zeng Zhen, but was a little late.
Zeng Zhen's ball is out of range and his body collides with Stevenson's.
"Beep!"
The referee blows his whistle.
"Swish!"
An arrow through the heart!
The referee decisively signaled that the three points were valid, and Zeng Zhen had a chance to add a free throw.
"Swish!"
30 to 41.
Zeng Zhen hit a solid extra point.
It was as if this game was Zeng Zhen's stage alone.
The Lakers came from behind to a double-digit lead, and that's what happened after Zeng Zhen took the court.
Zeng Zhen used his most skillful three-point shot and directly shot up the Magic's outside line.
Stevenson was beyond bereft.
The atmosphere of the scene had all reached its peak as well.
Jo Na, who came to watch the game from the front row, was screaming even more.
Zhao Xue also kept looking at Zeng Zhen.
Zeng Zhen on the court was so handsome that almost all the spectators in the stadium were cheering for him.
The impact of this is extremely great on a girl's insides.
Who wouldn't admire that kind of superstar?
On the field, Zeng Zhen looked at Kobe in the audience.
Kirby's expression took on some joy as he fussed with his daughter.
This was rare in previous games, and in the past when he wasn't on the court himself, Kobe always watched the game with a serious expression on his face.
Hill on the field was getting a little anxious.
Hill volunteered to Stevenson, "I'll defend him."
Stevenson nodded, his head reeling from Zeng Zhen.
Give Hill on a try as well.
Francis said, "I'll go for the pinch when appropriate."
Hill nodded.
Zeng Zhen is the Lakers' first point of fire and needs to be held down first, or else the rest of the game will be tough.
Hill's main defense and Francis' sandwich strategy did cause Zeng Zhen some problems.
Zeng Zhen wasn't as prone to openings anymore, and Zeng Zhen also lowered the frequency of his attacks after missing two three-point shots from the top.
Zeng Zhen constantly pass the ball to his teammates, but unfortunately, the Lakers other people's ability to finish is always almost meaningless, the Lakers did not go along with the trend to pull the score again.
Zeng Zhen was replaced with just over three minutes to go in the second quarter.
In the third quarter, Zeng Zhen played four minutes on the field, and his play on the field was not as bright as when he first came on the field, and he played more of a role in pulling the opponent's defense.
Instead, the Magic's side of the ball steadily attacked the lane and kept getting closer.
At the end of the third quarter, the score came to 73-76, with the Lakers leading by three points.
The bench.
Zeng Zhen was panting taking a towel and wiping his sweat.
Bynum came over and said, "Dude, guess what stats you got now?"
Zeng Zhen shook his head and said, "I don't know."
Zeng Zhen has been concentrating on the game on the field and he hasn't been thinking about how many points he has scored.
Bynum said, "26 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, besides Kobe, no one on our team can score better than you, you're very efficient, you made 7 three-pointers."
Zeng Zhen said, "There was a period of time when I didn't play well back there, and they're defending me pretty tightly now."
Said Bynum: "Don't be so hard on yourself, you're +15 in wins and losses, meaning we beat the other team by 15 points when you're on the floor."
Hearing Bynum's words, Zeng Zhen also sighed.
In the old days, such numbers were out of reach for him, and when he first entered the league he thought about when he could put up 20+.
Now, even if he's being limited pretty heavily back there, that 20+ seems like a breeze.
Only, now Zeng Zhen is not satisfied with cutting 20+ on the line, he wants more is through their own influence, to help the team win the game.
Zeng Zhen's scoring tonight was generally quite easy at first, but as his opponents took precautions against him later on, he wasn't as spontaneous in his attempts to score.
It's as difficult as can be expected, and opponents will get to know his style better as the game goes on.
Scouts have been studying him more and more.
It's going to be harder and harder for Zeng Zhen to get away from the defense.
The fourth quarter quickly began, the Zen master did not arrange Zeng Zhen at the beginning of the game, it is clear that he is ready to let Zeng Zhen to play the final decisive stage.
Just no Kobe's Lakers obviously in the offensive firepower worse magic some, Odom's state is also average, magic quickly completed the score on the back.
With 7:34 to go in the fourth quarter, the score was 85-80, with the Magic leading by five points.
The Zen Master took it upon himself to call a halt to the game.
With 48 minutes to play in the NBA, it's tough for one team to completely overpower another unless they absolutely crush it.
The fans in the arena are not cheering either, and they all sense the crisis facing the Lakers.
"Tseng!"
"Tseng!"
"We need Zeng!"
The fans are slowly unifying their voices.
In Kobe's absence, they can only count on that amazing rookie.
"Zeng, you go." Zen Master did not disobey the fans' shouts, but immediately called out to Zeng Zhen.
Zeng Zhen also all but removed the towel still and stood up.
There was a wariness in his eyes and he wanted to win.